Paving the Way for Outdoor Learning Environments

Dr. Rhea brings on early childhood educator and OLE! Texas leadership member, Cheryl Potemkin, to share her expertise on outdoor learning environments. Listen as they discuss the goals of OLE! Texas, the benefits and qualities of outdoor learning environments, and the abundance of resources in Texas and nationwide for the promotion of outdoor learning. Cheryl Potemkin is currently exploring a love of nature and early childhood education as the Early Childhood Program Manager at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. At FWBG Cheryl is dedicated to implementing early childhood programs and professional development, teaching science thinking concepts through quality children’s literature and hands-on Environmental-STEM activities. Cheryl is also the lead for the OLE! Texas DFW Coalition, part of the statewide initiative dedicated to improving health and wellness through outdoor learning environments, as well as one of the North Texas Regional leads for the Texas Children in Nature Network. Resources mentioned in this episode: Outdoor Learning Environments - OLE! Texas - Texas Children in Nature Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE!) Texas | Texas DSHS https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/bioblitz/tpwd-child-friendly plant-flyer-final.pdf NLI | Natural Learning Initiative (naturalearning.org) Texas Tech OLE! Resource List Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) | FWBG Cities Connecting Children to Nature Nature Explore ECHO, Wildlife Federation